The adult ergonomic face mask concept: historical and theoretical perspectives

The fundamental skill required of the anesthesiologist and rescuer is to treat upper airway obstruction and maintain adequate ventilation. Adult one-hand face mask ventilation is a complex technique, often applied with suboptimal results. The adult face mask in use today was not designed for one-handed ventilation but inherited its features from the 19th century face piece. The airway maneuver used with one-handed ventilation is not standardized. An ergonomic face mask has an asymmetrical dome that accommodates the hand grip required for chin lift and may be better for one-hand ventilation. The historical and theoretical considerations patent to the design and technique of the ergonomic face mask are reviewed.